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Strong winds and isolated blustery showers are expected in the afternoon, and may be wintry especially over the hills.

The outlook from March 13 to March 24 reads: "Ongoing unsettled conditions are set to be in place on Thursday with a mixture of drier weather followed by more cloud and rain from the west.

"Rain is likely to be heavy at times, particularly in the northwest.

"Brighter, showery conditions are likely to spread across northern and central areas through Friday, accompanied by stronger winds, perhaps gales in the north.

"Temperatures are likely to fluctuate around normal but overnight frosts are still likely.

"There are signals for the Atlantic-driven unsettled theme to continue through the following week.

"Here we are likely to see further spells of wind and rain, followed by drier, more showery periods.

"Towards the end of the outlook there may be a tendency for the unsettled conditions to be more confined to northern areas."

Looking ahead until April 7, the agency adds: "At the start of the extended outlook unsettled weather will likely become more confined to the north and northwest of the UK, with a greater chance of drier, brighter weather across southern and southeastern areas.

"These more settled conditions may extend across the UK through late March and early April.

"Temperatures through this period are likely to begin cooler, but trending towards normal or above normal, giving noticeably warmer days, though some overnight frosts remain possible.

"More changeable spells are likely to be short lived, but there is no confidence as to any timings or detail."